Some of you already know my Dad has been going downhill for months, but he had been getting around fine, and more fine when he remembered to use his walker. He was frying eggs every morning, but we had to watch him to make sure things got turned off, etc. He did set the microwave for more than an hour.
The only thing he has wanted to do for the last month is sleep. Last Saturday I was still able to help him down the stairs to take him for his Coumadin check, and he walked in and out with his walker...he number was quite high. That evening something changed and the fast downhill slide started. By midweek we noticed right side foot dragging, and almost overnight he could barely walk without help and by Thursday not at all. We thought it was just a speed up of the downhill ride and I started trying to find in home help. Saturday night after more than 2 hours of sitting by him, trying to keep him from trying to get out of bed and listening to “I have to get up”, I’m going outside”, “Leave me alone”, “Get your hands off me”. And lots more mostly unintelligible, we called 911. A Cat Scan revealed a subdural hematoma, with no clue how it happened.
Sunday we made the decision to activate his DNR as he is not going to get any better. He is unhooked from all machines and no more meds. We are waiting for a bed in the Palliative Care unit. This unit is “comfort without cure”....I had to look it up. After we made our decision both the nurse and the doctor said they would have made the same decision for their parent. We are completely at peace with our decision and praying only for a peaceful passing as he goes home. When he is alert, less and less often, he is angry that he cannot communicate...he talks a lot but not anything we can understand, embarrassed, and frustrated.
The nurse just called....they have a bed and he is being moved now. I will take my Mom, via wheelchair, in an hour or so and we will visit. Maybe he will respond to her holding his hand.
He will be 90 in May and on August 31st they will have been married 70 years.
Thanks, Everyone, for your prayers.
What an extremely hard decision you’ve had to make on his
behalf. God hold your hand and that of your mom as you watch
over him till he slips into his next life.
God give your dear Dad comfort and no more pain....
I am so sorry to hear that Kath.
Dear Kathy,
My heart is with you. I have recently gone through something similar with my Dad, and the last month with Mom has been a real ordeal. I will be going north to stay with Mom for a week, and will be away from my computer, so please know, I will be praying for you, even if I don’t post.
((((HUGS))))
We all pray for you, your Mom, and your Dad as you all enter into this change of life, and passing on to our Heavenly Realm. You are all heroes and our hearts and prayers go out to bring you peace.
*HUGS*
I am truly sorry to hear this.
My prayers for your strength.
My heart is heavy for your dad, your mom and you. Prayers are with all of you.
May God be with you , your dad and mom..and keep you in his care..I pray a peaceful journey for your dad.
I hope my children would have made the same decision for me.
My prayers and thoughts are with you. dear Kathy..
One of my BILs, was way too young when diagnosed with cancer and he was moved to Mass. General’s Paliative Care Unit and we discovered what a wonderful concept it is. They were exceedingly accommodating and kind. You made the perfect choice.
(((HUGS!!)))
XOXOXOXOXOX
Prayers for your dear father. God bless him.
Oh,Ma...
*HUG*
My heart goes out to you.
Everything you are now going through,
I went through with my own Poppa.
I really, honestly DO know how you feel.
I read something really beautiful today, it goes like this:
“Life is too short to wake up with regrets.
So love the people who treat you right.
Love the ones who don’t,
just because you can.
Believe everything happens for a reason.
If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands!
If it changes your life, let it!
Kiss slowly.
Forgive quickly.
God never said life would be easy..
He just promised it would be worth it”
Love and hugs,
Ms.B
So sorry to hear of your father’s decline. But rest assured you have made the right decision. My mother has already made that decision for herself, and we WILL respect her wishes.
Dad passed away rather unexpectedly, but was already deep into Alzheimer’s, so no such decision was required. We were thankful that he was in “the home” less than 3 weeks.
Prayers,prayers.
Holding you guys in my heart.
Prayers on the way. God bless.
Kathy, I’m sorry to read this. I know how it feels. I hurt so badly for your family...
Logan’s Prayer Warriors, please see #49 and pray.
Heavenly Father we come before you as your children, praying for Kathy’s Daddy and family. Please give them the strength they need to go through this, their saying goodbye to a man they love. Lord, there is no easy way for this, but I pray that you DO ease their pain, that you take Dad Home with you in a calm and quiet and peaceful way. Thank you for him, thank you for his life, for the example he’s set.
Please Lord, hear our prayers...
In Your Name,
Amen
Praying for you and your family and safe passage for your dad, Kathy.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the love Kathy and her family have for each other.
Please watch over them and comfort them.
In Jesus’ Holy Name I pray.
Amen.
Thanks for the update Kathy. I’m holding you guys in my thoughts and prayers. ((HUGS)):-(
IMO, you made the right decision.
Palliative Care unit. This unit is “comfort without cure”
I've read about them. They're like Hospice, and I hope we have something like that here.
May God be with you & family during this moment in the wilderness.
5.56mm
Dear Lord, bring Kathy and her family strength, and comfort.
Prayers lifting for you all.
Tatt